Independence was originally inhabited byMissouri andOsage Native Americans. Followed by the Spanish and a brief French tenure, it became part of the United States with theLouisiana Purchase in 1803.Lewis and Clark recorded in their journals that they stopped in 1804 to pick plums, raspberries, and wild apples at a site that would later form part of the city. Independence was also a stopping point for the "Donner Party", an ill-fated group of 19th-centurywagon train emigrants whose westward journey along theCalifornia Trail ended in disaster, spawning one of the most well known and taboo stories of pioneer-era America.[7]
Named after theDeclaration of Independence, Independence was founded on March 29, 1827,[8] and quickly became an importantfrontier town. Independence was the farthest point westward on theMissouri River where thesteamboats or other cargo vessels could travel, due to the convergence of theKansas River with the Missouri River approximately six miles west of town, near the currentKansas-Missouri border. Independence immediately became a jumping-off point for the emergingfur trade, accommodating merchants and adventurers beginning the long trek westward on theSanta Fe Trail.
Independence saw great prosperity from the late 1830s through the mid-1840s, while the business of outfitting pioneers boomed. Between 1848 and 1868, it was a hub of the California Trail. On March 8, 1849, theMissouri General Assembly granted ahome-rulecharter to the town and on July 18, 1849, William McCoy was elected as its first mayor. In the mid-19th century an Act of theUnited States Congress defined Independence as the start of theOregon Trail.
Two importantCivil War battles occurred at Independence: thefirst on August 11, 1862, whenConfederate soldiers took control of the town, and thesecond in October 1864, which resulted in a Union victory. The war took its toll on Independence, and the town was never able to regain its previous prosperity, although a flurry of building activity took place soon after the war. The rise of nearbyKansas City, Missouri, also contributed to the town's relegation to a place of secondary prominence in Jackson County, though Independence has retained its position as county seat to the present day.
United States PresidentHarry S. Truman grew up in Independence and, in 1922, was elected judge of the Court of Jackson County (an administrative, not judicial, post). Although he was defeated for reelection in 1924, he won back the office in 1926 and was reelected in 1930. Truman performed his duties diligently, and won personal acclaim for several popular public works projects, including an extensive series of fine roads for the growing use of automobiles, the building of a new County Court building in Independence, and a series of 12Madonna of the Trail monuments to pioneer women dedicated across the country in 1928 and 1929. He would later return to the city after two terms as president. His wife,Bess, was born and raised in Independence, and both are buried there. TheHarry S. Truman National Historic Site (Truman's home) and theHarry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum are both located in Independence, as is one of Truman's boyhood residences.
Independence is located on the south bank of theMissouri River, near the western edge of the state. According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 78.25 square miles (202.67 km2), of which 77.57 square miles (200.91 km2) is land and 0.68 square miles (1.76 km2) is water.[9]
Climate data for Independence, Missouri (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1973–2021)
The2020 United States census[14] counted 123,011 people, 48,836 households, and 28,955 families in Independence. The population density was 1,577.7 per square mile (609.2/km2). There were 54,120 housing units at an average density of 694.1 units per square mile (268.0 units/km2). The racial makeup (including Hispanics in the racial counts) was 72.61% (89,323)white, 8.68% (10,678)black or African-American, 0.76% (936)Native American, 1.19% (1,468)Asian, 0.67% (826)Pacific Islander, 5.52% (6,795) fromother races, and 10.56% (12,985) from two or more races.[citation needed]Hispanic orLatino of any race was 12.2% (15,042) of the population.[15]
Of the 48,836 households, 24.0% had children under the age of 18; 40.1% were married couples living together; 33.0% had a female householder with no husband present. Of all households, 33.5% consisted of individuals and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.4, and the average family size was 3.1.
21.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.5 years. For every 100 females, the population had 91.4 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 89.4 males.
The 2016-2020 5-yearAmerican Community Survey[16] estimates show that the median household income was $50,797 (with a margin of error of +/- $1,935) and the median family income was $64,271 (+/- $2,089). Males had a median income of $40,007 (+/- $1,690) versus $26,762 (+/- $1,098) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $32,462 (+/- $1,353). Approximately, 11.2% of families and 14.0% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 23.3% of those under the age of 18 and 7.1% of those ages 65 or over.
Independence, Missouri – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the U.S. census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
As of thecensus[19] of 2010, there were 116,830 people, 48,742 households, and 30,165 families residing in the city. Thepopulation density was 1,506.1 inhabitants per square mile (581.5/km2). There were 53,834 housing units at an average density of 694.0 units per square mile (268.0 units/km2). The racial makeup of the city was
There were 48,742 households, of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.5% weremarried couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.1% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37, and the average family size was 2.97.
The median age in the city was 39.4 years. 23% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.9% were from 25 to 44; 27.4% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 113,288 people, 47,390 households, and 30,566 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,446.3 inhabitants per square mile (558.4/km2). There were 50,213 housing units at an average density of 641.1 units per square mile (247.5 units/km2). Independence has a population of 111,806 in 1980 and 112,301 in 1990.[22] The racial makeup of the city was 91.87%White, 2.59%African American, 0.70%Asian, 0.64%Native American, 0.46%Pacific Islander, 1.43% fromother races, and 2.31% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 3.69% of the population.
There were 47,390 households, out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37, and the average family size was 2.93.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $38,012, and the median income for a family was $45,876. Males had a median income of $34,138 versus $25,948 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,384. About 6.4% of families and 8.6% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.
The Community of Christ has built atemple in Independence, and also maintains a largeauditorium and other buildings nearby.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates a sizable visitors' center adjacent to the Community of Christ Temple, and across the street from the originalTemple Lot designated by Joseph Smith in 1830. The Lot itself is occupied by a small white-frame church building that serves as the headquarters and local meeting house for the Church of Christ (Temple Lot).
There are five Catholic churches and two Episcopal churches in Independence.
One of the oldest churches in Independence is the First Presbyterian Church, founded in 1826.[23] It was here in 1890 that Harry Truman first met Elizabeth (Bess) Wallace.[23][24] Truman eventually married her after his return from World War I in 1919.[24]
The Independence City Council is made up of six members. Four are elected to represent one of the city districts, and the other two are elected by the city as a whole. The City Mayor also sits on the City Council and serves as the "Head of Government" for the city, The Mayor can vote on legislation with the council but does not have the right to veto. Members serve a four-year term, beginning on January 1 following the election. The current mayor is Rory Rowland, aDemocrat, elected in 2022.[26]
The Independence Municipal Court is currently seated by two members. Judges are appointed by the City Mayor and serve a 4-year term. Judges may be reappointed for multiple terms by the Mayor or the City Council.[27]
Prior to Fall 2008, parts of western Independence in the Van Horn feeder pattern resided in theKansas City, Missouri School District,[29] but all of these students are now part of the Independence school district.
Three public high schools are located within the city limits:
Merrill J. Mattes Research Library, focused on the Overland Trails, and the settlement of the American West. Located at the National Frontier Trails Museum.
Santa-Cali-Gon Days is an annualLabor Day festival held in Independence intermittently since 1940 and continuously since 1973, celebrating the city's heritage as a starting point of three major frontier trails: theSanta Fe,California, andOregon. Another popular annual festival is the Vaile Strawberry Festival, which is held on the first Saturday of June at the Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty, five blocks north of the historic Square. The Independence Heritage Festival is a celebration of the diverse culture that exist in Independence. The Independence town square features numerous family-owned shops surrounding the old maincourthouse, which was modeled afterPhiladelphia'sIndependence Hall. This courthouse houses Harry S. Truman's former courtroom and office.
National Frontier Trails Museum, 416 W. Maple: Museum and interpretive center dedicated to the history of theWestward Expansion Trails and the settlement of theAmerican West. Independence, also known as the Queen City of the Trails, hosted thousands of settlers, pioneers, soldiers and merchants as they prepared to cross the plans along one of three trails: the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon. The museum offers film, a children's activity room, artifacts, journal entries, maps, and covered wagons, among other highlights.[32][33]
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum: Official library of the 33rd U.S. president, located at 500 U.S. Highway 24. Hailed as America's "best presidential museum" by theDallas Morning News, the Truman Library offers theaters, a museum, store, and interactive hands-on exhibits together with a Decision Theater. The museum contains a colorful mural byThomas Hart Benton,Independence and the Opening of the West, together with a reproduction of the Oval Office. The courtyard contains the graves of Harry, Bess and their daughter Margaret. The museum seeks to educate patrons about the major world-shaping decisions that Truman was involved in as president, together with details of his personal life. The lower level offers an area where children can dress up like Harry andBess, explore "feely" boxes, engage in an interactive computerized race, sort mail, make campaign buttons and posters and play a trivia game.
Owens-Rogers Museum: 100 W. Moore Street: Museum dedicated to Hollywood screenwriter and producerLela E. Rogers and Academy Award-winning actressGinger Rogers, who was born in this home in 1911. The home was restored and reimagined as a museum with memorabilia, original movie posters, magazines, and items owned by Lela and Ginger Rogers. The home was declared a Historic Landmark Property by the City of Independence in 1994, when Ginger Rogers visited for her birthday celebration.
Leila's Hair Museum, 1333 S. Noland Road: Museum of Victorian-era art of hair jewelry and wreaths. The Hair Museum houses over 350 hair "wreaths" and 1,500 pieces of artwork or jewelry made partially or completely out of human hair.
Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road: This non-profit organization is home to hundreds of puppets and marionettes from around the world and features a collection of remnants from the world's largest puppet factory which used to be in neighboring Kansas City, which was owned and operated by toy puppet creator Hazelle Rollins.
Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, 223 N. Main (visitor center); 219 N. Delaware (home). The Truman home is operated by the National Park Service. It allows visitors to see how President Truman and his wife, Bess, lived in their simple but comfortable "Summer White House". Left just as it was when the Trumans lived there, you'll see their dishes on the table, books and records on the shelf, and Harry's hat, coat and cane in the front entry.
1859 Jail, Marshal's Home and Museum, 217 N. Main. The dungeon-like cells of the 1859 Jail housed thousands of prisoners during the bloodiest period of Jackson County's history. Some of its famous guests includedFrank James andWilliam Clark Quantrill. Part of the exhibit details how the local marshal and his family lived in the adjoining Federal brick two-story home. An 1870s-era schoolhouse and museum completes the site. A "historic homes combo" discount ticket is available for use with the Bingham-Waggoner Estate and the Vaile Mansion. Closed for the winter from January through March.
Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific. Built in 1852 along theSanta Fe Trail, this magnificent home was owned by famous American Civil War artistGeorge Caleb Bingham and later belonged to the Waggoner family, founders of the Waggoner-Gates Mill. Extensively renovated in the 1890s, many furnishings and accessories from the era may be seen in the home. A gift shop is located in thecarriage house. Closed for the winter from January through March.
Chicago and Alton Depot, 318 W. Pacific. Built in 1879, this wooden depot is believed to be the oldest two-story frame railroad depot remaining in Missouri. Filled with hundreds of railroad artifacts, it also served as the living quarters for the station master and his family on the upper level, which is furnished with period treasures. Closed January–March.[34][35]
Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty. This thirty-one-room mansion was built by frontier business tycoon Harvey Vaile in 1881. Recognized as one of the finest examples ofSecond Empire Victorian architecture in the U.S., the opulent estate boasted conveniences such as flushing toilets, a built-in 6,000-gallon water tank, painted woodwork and ceilings and nine different marble fireplaces. Closed for the winter from January through March.
Community of Christ International Headquarters. The Temple, at 201 S. River, and The Auditorium, across the street at 1001 W. Walnut, serve as world headquarters for this Christian denomination of a quarter-million members. Tours of the Temple and Auditorium are free, and organ concerts on world class organs are held daily in summer and on Sundays from Labor day through Memorial Day. The site also offers a theater, sacred artwork and a meditation garden. The Children's Peace Pavilion in the Auditorium is a free hands-on interactive museum for children.
LDS Visitors Center, 937 W. Walnut. Describes the roles played byLatter-day Saints during the early and tempestuous history of Independence. Offers flat screen visual presentations showing the arrival of early Saints, revelations, and their pioneer lives. Also offers rare artifacts and exhibits documenting the history and beliefs of modern Saints, known as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Free guided tours daily.
In 1978, Independence gainedsister city status withHigashimurayama,Tokyo, Japan.[36] Higashimurayama Street is south of Truman Rd. between Memorial Dr. and Lynn St., between City Hall and the Independence Square. This twinning is commemorated by aZen garden, near E Lexington Ave. and Memorial Dr.
Interstate 435 – Runs just outside the western city limits, between Independence and Kansas City.
U.S. Route 24 – A major east/west U.S. highway that links Independence with Kansas City andBuckner, and forms part of Independence's northern border withSugar Creek. It passes through the Fairmount Business District, by the Truman Presidential Library and Museum, by William Chrisman High School, and north of the Independence Square. Parts of U.S. 24 are known as Winner Road, and Independence Avenue.
Route 12 is a short highway that connects the Independence Square toI-435 in Kansas City, and is commonly known as Truman Rd.
Route 78 is an east–west highway that links Kansas City to MO-7, near the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. Parts of MO-78 are known as 23rd St. (formerly E. Alton St.), and Lake City-Buckner Road.
Route 291 – A minor north–south freeway, once designated as U.S. Route 71 Bypass, that links Independence to Lee's Summit, Sugar Creek, andLiberty. TheLiberty Bend Bridge carries the highway across theMissouri River. I-470 carries the highway from I-70 south into Lee's Summit. Part of the former alignment, known as Old 71 Bypass, is a street in the Bass Pro area.
Truman Road is a majorarterial street that connects Independence with downtown Kansas City, and eastern unincorporated Jackson County. It passes by Van Horn High School, through the Maywood Business District, by President Harry S. Truman's house, and the Independence Square. Truman Road enters Independence with MO-12, and exits with State Route FF.
Independence Power & Light (IPL) is a local electric power plant owned and operated by the city. It was established in 1901 and has undergone many changes and upgrades. One change was moving from the old Dodgion Street plant (where the Roger T. Sermon Center stands now) to the Blue Valley Plant near Truman Rd. and MO-78/Lake City-Buckner Rd. IPL also draws power from other sources: theMissouri City Power Plant, and theKansas City Power and Light Company (KCP&L), through several 69 and 161 kilovolt transmission interconnections. IPL has an "Out of Sight" power line burial program. After signing an agreement with TradeWind Energy in July 2008, IPL will begin purchasing annually 15 megawatts of renewable energy from theSmoky Hills Wind Farm (a wind turbine facility) in Kansas.
